Local News

Update: Missing Alzheimer’s patient found safe

A missing Hammond, Ind., man with Alzheimer's disease who was the subject of a search by Illinois State police has been located. State Police at Pontiac report the man was found walking near a truck stop in Rochelle.

81-year-old Nathaniel Burns was found about 6 pm Thursday near a truck stop. A state police news release described the man as "weak and confused." Burns was transported to Rochelle Community Hospital, where he was treated and reunited with his family.

State police troopers based in Pontiac were dispatched earlier in the evening to assist a motorist on southbound Interstate 55 a mile south of the Lexington exit. It was believed the motorist might have been Burns, but nothing was found despite a ground and air search.

About 5:45 p.m., state police were notified of a man walking away from a disabled vehicle on Interstate 39 about 10 miles south of Rochelle. The vehicle was abandoned but matched the description in the missing-person report. Burns was founded a short time later.

Summer talent lineups released for Merchant Street and BBQ Fest 2015

Kankakee County summer fun looks promising! Organizers of the BBQ Fest and Merchant Street MusicFest have released their musical talent lineups. And again, there's something for everyone, popular bands from the 1990s all the way back through the 1960s.

The Daily-Journal reports the Kankakee Valley Park District's BBQ Fest is headlined by Vanilla Ice, Salt-N-Peppa, Puddle of Mudd and Local H.

That'll be July 9, 10 and 11th at River Road Park.

The popular Kankakee MusicFest, at the historic downtown railroad depot, finds several , headliners including the Ohio Players, the 5th Dimension, and neo-funk all stars, JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound.

The MusicFest, July 24 – 25th, features several performance stages around the depot site.

Troopers searched the area both on the ground and with the assistance of ISP Air Operations; however they were unable to locate Burns.

Troopers are requesting the public's assistance in locating Burns who is reported to be driving a white Pontiac G6 four door bearing Indiana registration UUL258. Burns' family advised they last saw him wearing a gray jacket, gray sweater, grey Dockers pants, and black shoes.

If observed, please contact the Illinois State Police District 06 headquarters at 815-844-1523.

DRUNK DRIVING TIP LEADS TO THE RECOVERY OF NEARLY $10,000 WORTH OF ELECTRONICS

The Newton County Sheriff's Office in Indiana acted on a citizens' tip Sunday and nabbed two suspects with nearly $10,000 worth of stolen electronic items.Police received a tip of a possible intoxicated driver traveling southbound on US 41 in Kentland. A witness stated the driver had been seen consuming alcoholic beverages inside of the vehicle. Officers in the area responded and located the vehicle in question with matching plate number on southbound US 41 near County Road 1800 S. Moving violations were observed and a traffic stop was initiated.

The result of the investigation and search warrants that were obtained led to the recovery of nearly $10,000 in electronics and other retail goods believed stolen from chain retail stores in Wisconsin and Illinois.

42 year old Eric M. Higgins from West Terre Haute, In and 24 year old Ashley D. Clarkson of Terre Haute were arrested. Both were jailed in Newton County.

Pittwood house destroyed by fire

The State Fire Marshall is investigating an Iroquois County house fire that destroyed a 2-story structure this (Tues) morning, east of Route 1 at Pittwood.

The fire's cause is believed to have been electrical, according to Jed Beaupre of the Martinton Fire Department. Beaupre told WGFA News the fire appeared to have started in the garage. Winds fueled the flames and lack of water supply didn't help matters.

The approximate 2800 square foot structure, belonging to Jay & Renee Morris, was a total loss. A cleaning lady discovered the fire when she opened the garage door.

The box-alarm call alerted up to a dozen fire departments. No injury was reported.